Nicole Kidman is a force of nature. The Australian actress, now 57, has transcended her early days as a rising star and tabloid fodder to become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. Her career, spanning over four decades, is a testament to her incredible range, taking on roles in exuberant musicals, spine-tingling horror, prestige dramas, and pulse-pounding thrillers. But what truly sets her apart is her willingness to take big, bold swings, surprising both audiences and critics alike.
Her latest role in the outrageously erotic ‘Babygirl,’ which is generating buzz at the Venice Film Festival, exemplifies this fearless approach. As we anticipate its release, let’s revisit some of her most remarkable performances to date.
Dead Calm (1989)
: At just 21, Kidman, with her signature curly red hair and natural Australian accent, made a memorable impact in Phillip Noyce’s ‘Dead Calm.’ This heart-pumping tale follows a couple sailing through the Pacific when a mysterious stranger (Billy Zane) boards their boat, claiming to have escaped a sinking ship. As violence unfolds, this seemingly innocent young woman proves her resilience and strength.To Die For (1995)
: This role catapulted Kidman to superstardom. In Gus Van Sant’s satirical black comedy, she embodies the seductive and ruthlessly ambitious weather presenter, Suzanne Stone, who plots to eliminate her husband (Matt Dillon). Her performance is both charming and chilling, earning her a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award.Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
: Under the direction of Stanley Kubrick and opposite her then-husband Tom Cruise, Kidman shines in this divisive psychosexual drama. She portrays the wife of a doctor who spirals after confessing her fantasies about another man, leading him into a sinister underworld filled with masked orgies and chaos.Moulin Rouge! (2001)
: The moment Kidman descends from the ceiling, belting out a coquettish rendition of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” her impossibly glamorous courtesan Satine captivates Ewan McGregor’s character and the audience in Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling musical. This iconic performance earned her her first Oscar nomination and a second Golden Globe win, solidifying her place as a true talent.The Others (2001)
: In Alejandro Amenábar’s intensely creepy supernatural thriller, Kidman delivers a haunting performance as a distressed, shotgun-wielding mother desperately trying to protect her children from the hauntings plaguing their remote country house in 1940s Jersey. Her portrayal oscillates between fragility and steel, despondency and defiance, showcasing a depth far beyond your typical scream queen.The Hours (2002)
: Kidman fully immerses herself in the role of a turbulent Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry’s profoundly moving adaptation of Michael Cunningham’s novel. With a mousy brown mane, a prosthetic nose, and a wardrobe of floral tea dresses, she disappears completely into the character. This virtuosic performance earned her a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for Best Actress, propelling her career to new heights.Dogville (2003)
: Rather than resting on her laurels after receiving numerous awards, Kidman took on a bold and challenging role in Lars von Trier’s arthouse shocker, ‘Dogville.’ The film follows a troubled woman hiding from her volatile gangster father in a rural Colorado community that ultimately turns against her. The result is a truly jaw-dropping performance that showcases her commitment to pushing boundaries.Birth (2004)
: In Jonathan Glazer’s unsettling mood piece, Kidman portrays a grieving widow who believes that a 10-year-old boy is the reincarnation of her deceased husband. Her performance is delicate and layered, weaving together suspicion, hope, doubt, and sorrow, earning her another Golden Globe nomination.Rabbit Hole (2010)
: In John Cameron Mitchell’s devastating tearjerker, Kidman and Aaron Eckhart portray a couple struggling to cope with the accidental death of their young son. The film provides Kidman ample space to navigate a complex range of emotions, from anger and numbness to hopelessness and stoicism. This powerful performance earned her a third Oscar nomination.Big Little Lies (2017)
: Kidman became the heart and soul of David E Kelley’s small-screen sensation, ‘Big Little Lies,’ portraying Celeste, the seemingly perfect woman in Monterey who harbors a dark secret. Her performance garnered two Emmys, two Golden Globes, two Critics’ Choice Awards (for starring and producing), and a SAG Award. This success launched a new chapter in Kidman’s career, leading to roles in ‘The Undoing,’ ‘Nine Perfect Strangers,’ and most recently, ‘Expats.’Babygirl (2024)
: In Halina Reijn’s hair-raising workplace thriller, Kidman delivers a raw, vulnerable, and sexually liberated performance as a strung-out CEO who enters an illicit affair with an intern (Harris Dickinson). This role showcases her fearlessness, a quality that has been a defining characteristic of her career since the very beginning.Nicole Kidman continues to amaze and inspire with her unwavering commitment to her craft, constantly challenging herself and audiences with her bold choices and unforgettable performances.
